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Detecting torqueRelated Patent Categories: Measuring And Testing, Dynamometers, Responsive To Torque, During Transmission To An External Load, By Measuring Elastic Deformation Of A Torque Transmitting Member, Using An Electrical Sensor, Inductance Or Reluctance SensorDetecting torque description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060207348, Detecting torque. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CLAIM TO PRIORITY [0001] This patent application hereby claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102005010521.1 filed on Mar. 4, 2005, and to German Patent Application No. 102005010932.2 filed on Mar. 9, 2005. German Patent Application No. 102005010521.1 and German Patent Application No. 102005010932.2 are hereby incorporated by reference into this application as if set forth herein in full. BACKGROUND [0002] This application relates to a device and process for registering torque that affects an axle, together with a detector located at the axle and an inductive sensor. [0003] Such devices, also called torque sensors, and their accompanying processes, are known in most manifold embodiments and applications. Such sensors may be required for the direct and indirect measurement of the torque on axles. Torques that affect the driving axle are measured in machines and motor vehicles in order to efficiently control drive units, such as the driving wheels of a car with four-wheel-drive. [0004] Different measurement principles are considered for the torque sensors, for instance optical, capacitive, inductive or magnetic principles. These principles are mostly based on detecting the torsion of an axle, which is caused by the torque affecting the axle. The measured torsion is converted to a measurement signal. [0005] Patent DE 44 30 503 features a torque sensor with a strain gauge system. Similar systems may be implemented with piezo-detectors as piezo-resistances or surface wave components (SAW). The torsion of the axle is detected by components arranged accordingly. The signal transfer of the components to a signal unit takes place telemetrically. Reliable fastening or attachment of the sensor elements on the axle surface is critical in these systems. The attachment cannot be subjected to any or, at best, minor influences due to aging. These sensor systems are less accurate in case of high reliability demands, as is the case in the automobile industry. [0006] Patent DE 101 61 803 A1 features an electromagnetic torque sensor, which utilizes the magneto-strictive effect of the elastic axle requiring torsion. The dielectric changes of a ferromagnetic axle are hereby detected on the bases of the torque exertions. Such sensors usually have a minor precision and are comparably expensive. [0007] Patent DE 10 2004 012 256 A1 features a torque sensor with an input and output axle which are connected by means of a torsion rod. A cylindrical core is mounted on the teethed external peripheral surface of an end portion of the output axle showing a very large diameter, so that it can be shifted in an axial direction with respect to the output axle. A sliding pin protruding over the input axle engages in a spiral nut of the cylindrical core in peripheral direction of the end portion through a long slit. With regard to a torque moment affecting the end portion, the moment is transferred to the output axle via the torsion rod, so that the input axle and output axle relatively contort to one another and the cylindrical core is shifted in axial direction through the engagement of the sliding pin. This axial shift is detected via two spools, the inductances of which change in an anti-phased manner. [0008] Signal evaluation takes place with the aid of a closed magnetic circuit and subsequently switched differential amplifier, which incorporate the inductivities. The manufacturing cost of this type of mechanical system made out of a cylindrical core, teethed end portion and sliding pin of the other axle is considerable. The precision, among other things, depends on the low play and frictional losses. Furthermore, the torque sensor is only suitable for two-part axles. SUMMARY [0009] What is needed is a reliable and cost-effective system, e.g., method and apparatus, for detecting a torque moment affecting an axle. [0010] Accordingly, described herein is a system (hereinafter referred to as "the system") that provides a torque moment sensor with a high performance and efficiency, as well as high reliability and low cost. As a result, it is suitable for applications which set the highest demands, such as the automobile industry. [0011] The system has the additional advantage that it enables a device with high temperature stability. All critical parts required for the dimensioning or sizing of the device can be made from the same material, for instance steel. Consequently, it is possible that temperature changes will not cause changes to the dimensions of the individual parts of the device and, as a result, do not effect a signal shift and signal change, respectively. This is particularly significant with respect to possible radial dimensional changes, which could influence an air gap between rotating and fixed parts of the device. Effects of the second order do not influence the sensor output signal. [0012] The system has the additional advantage that the output signal of the device is differential so that parasitic effects, such temperature-dependent effects, do not have an influence on the measurement signal as a first approximation. [0013] Another advantage of the system is that the device has a relatively simple construction and, as a result, is less affected by environmental influences such as moisture, dirt, oil and external fields. In addition, the system is not substantially affected by vibrations. The individual elements of the device have a minor weight with high stiffness or rigidity so that a measurement without reaction and without vibrations is possible in a simultaneously high sensitivity to accelerations. [0014] The system can be mass-produced. A relatively low number of parts are needed for manufacture. The parts can be made out of thin-wall sheet metal and/or tubes and in the scope of a cost-favorable die-casting procedure. Simple mechanical steps such as pressing, rolling, folding or cutting, as well as punching may be used to process the sheet metal and tubes, respectively. Laser-cutting is possible too. Finally, the assembly of the individual parts of the device is relatively inexpensive. [0015] The system enables a wireless transfer of torque moment information from a rotating axle to a static detection and control unit via magnetic flow. Thanks to differential signal processing, marginal changes of the radial air space, as well as further parasitic influences are taken into account. [0016] A further advantage of the system is that, due to cooperation of its carrier and detector segments, torsion on the axle caused by effective torque is mechanically strengthened and is converted into a linear motion, which is subsequently inductively detected and measured. This results in precise measurements, since linear motions are easier and more precise to detect than complicated motions, such as rotation. [0017] The system is advantageous in that it produces mechanical strengthening of rotary motion in a linear motion by dimensioning spring elements (springs), such as the spring pins and slits, its carrier system, and the number and angle of the spring elements with respect to the axial direction of the axle and of the detector coaxially placed on the axle. [0018] Furthermore, the detector detects a torsion of the axle via elastic deformation of joint-free and friction-free spring elements so that resistance and precision of the device remain excellent even as it gets older. [0019] Additionally, the system can be used both for single-piece axles and for divided axles. [0020] Another advantage of the system is that it can easily adjust to different measurement requirements through selection of materials and of the individual parts. In this way, it is possible to manufacture a carrier system from non-ferromagnetic elastic material, while detector segments are made out of ferromagnetic material. Both elements can thus be selected so that they are similarly capable of dealing with temperature changes, and so that they can change according to temperature. These changes may be compensated by differential signal measurement and differential signal processing. [0021] The system also enables an optimal dimensioning of a magnetic circuit thanks to the setup and the cooperation of the carrier system and the detector segments in connection with spools and slugs, respectively. Continue reading about Detecting torque... Full patent description for Detecting torque Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Detecting torque patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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